|
|
|
DATING VIOLENCE Take it Seriously Abusers do not suddenly become abusive when they are 30, 40, or 50 years old. They exhibit abusive behaviors in relationships as soon as they begin having relationships. So it is not surprising to learn that 1 in 3 teen girls experience abuse in a relationship. Women ages 16 to 24 experience the highest per capita rates of intimate violence (Bureau of Justice Report: Intimate Partner Violence, May 2000). And victims of abuse in relationships can be male as well. Domestic violence occurs when one partner tries to gain and maintain power and control over the other. Physical violence is only one tool that abusers may use to gain that control. Other methods may be verbal, mental, emotional, and sexual abuse as well as stalking and financial or economic control. And with today’s technology, abusers can use texting, cell phones, GPS, computer histories, and more to harass, track, and stalk victims. Early warning signs that a date may become abusive include: extreme jealousy, controlling behavior, unpredictable mood swings, explosive anger, isolates victim from friends and family, blames others for his problems or feelings, cruelty to animals or children, abused former partners, and/or threatens violence. Common clues that indicate a teenager may be experiencing dating violence include: physical signs of injury, truancy or dropping out of classes or school, declining or failing grades, changes in mood or personality, emotional outbursts, and isolation. Safety Planning for Teens Teens should think ahead about ways to be safe if they are in a dangerous or potentially dangerous relationship. Here are some things to consider: * What adults can you tell about the violence and abuse? A victim younger than 18 needs an adult to obtain a Protection From Abuse order (PFA). * What people at school can you tell in order to be safe – teachers, principal, counselors, security? * Consider changing your school locker or lock. * Consider changing your route to and from school. * Use a buddy system for going to school, classes, and after school activities. * What friends can you tell in order to remain safe? * If stranded, who could you call for a ride home? * Keep a journal describing the abuse. * Get rid of or change the number to any beepers, pagers, or cell phones, especially if the abuser gave them you. * Keep spare change, calling cards, SWIC’s hotline number, number of someone who could help you, and copy of any PFA’s with you at all times. * Where could you go quickly to get away from an abusive person? * What other things could you do? Contact SWIC Schuylkill Women in Crisis (SWIC) can help. National studies conclude that the greatest safety measure domestic violence victims can take is seeking services from a provider, such as SWIC. SWIC’s 24-hour hotline is 570.622.6220 or 800.282.0634. For more information about dating violence or SWIC services or to arrange for a presentation to youth, call SWIC at 570.622.3991. Also check out our website, www.s-wic.org |
SWIC would not be able to provide comprehensive services to about 1,000 victims of domestic violence each year without community support. Each month in this e-newsletter we will list items most needed at this time for use in SWIC’s emergency shelter. For the month of March, we could use: · Dish Detergent · Hand Soap · Laundry detergent If you are able to donate any of these items, please call SWIC’s office at 570.622.3991 or email swicagency@comcast.net to make arrangements. Thank you! Proceeds Benefit SWIC 
Check out The Grateful Thread’s new website and online store at www.gratefulthread.org Effective right now... 25% OFF all items in the online store. Don't miss out on this chance to save! 
Sunday, April 18, 2-4:30 p.m. Schuylkill Intermediate Unit #29, MarLin SWIC will participate and have a resource table at the seminar “Talking With Your Children – No Subject is Taboo,” organized and sponsored by Schuylkill County VISION’s Mental Health Committee. This free seminar for parents, grandparents, and guardians of children 10-21 years old features discussions about such topics as Dating Violence, Sexuality Issues, Drug and Alcohol Issues, Social Networking, Internet Safety, Eating Disorders/Nutrition, and more. For more information about this event, call VISION at 570.622.6097. THANK YOU to those who have already donated their time, funds, food, small gifts, or other treats for SWIC’s Environmentally-Aware Egg Hunt and party to be held April 1 for residents in SWIC’s shelter and transitional housing units. |
|
swicagency@comcast.net with the subject line "Unsubscribe" Visit the Newsletter Archive to view past editions of the SWIC E-Newsletter |